transcribe bassline then figuring out chord changes

[hcfkavh]

I've been trying to familiarize myself with common chord progressions (i-iv-v, ii-v-i, etc.) also been trying to figure out the changes in some standards. Usually I start with the bassline, but then my question is how do you name the chord corresponding to that root from the bass (assuming it's the root and not an inversion chord)? For example bass notes: C-E-A, how do you know if it's C7, Cm7, or some other chord? I'm just starting to look into theory so I don't know a whole lot.

thanks

[czgibson]

It is a good idea to learn what the different chord qualities sound like. Start with the basic types of seventh chord: major 7, minor 7 and dominant 7. Learning to recognise these different sounds when you hear them will be of enormous help for your ear and your playing.

If you like, you can associate a word with each chord sound. I sometimes think in this way: major 7 chords sound pretty, minor 7ths sound cool and dominant 7ths sound bluesy. That works for me - you might be able to find other associations that work better for you.

Once you know those basic chords really well, then you can move on to recognising the extended or altered chords. Learning them all at once would be extremely hard - take it step by step and you`ll get there.

[jsepguitar]

Also, do some research on the topic of "guide tones." For 7th chords, the most important tones are the 3rd and 7th. They determine the difference between M7, m7, Dom 7th. If you play a major 3rd over the chord you are trying to figure out does it sound right? How about a minor 3rd? Do the same for the 7th. Know the chord formulas will help you figure out the chords. After a while you'll get used to the sound and won't have to do the above exercise.

[vsaumarez]

You don't. Bass lines mostly, but don't always start with the root, and don't necessarily play other chord tones. If the bass is playing chromatically, you might not have a clue at all. So it's where he's coming from and going that might give a clue. A knowledge of popular chord progressions helps here. If you can work out what the piano of guitar player is doing, that adds another layer of certainty, and the melody notes or improvised solo will also help. If all that doesn't bear fruit, get a hold of the harmony sheet. Transcribing is often about piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, and is more an art than science. Good transcribing software is very useful. But the root note and context (progression) is a good starting place.